Rob Howley has declared Andries Pretorius will bring the X-Factor into the Wales squad after naming the Cardiff Blues captain as a shock inclusion in his Six Nations plans.

Rob Howley has declared Andries Pretorius will bring the X-Factor into the Wales squad after naming the Cardiff Blues captain as a shock inclusion in his Six Nations plans.

The powerhouse from South African, who qualifies for Wales through residency grounds, was one of five newcomers named by stand-in coach Howley for the opening two fixtures against Ireland and France.

Pretorius’ back-row colleague at the Arms Park, Josh Navidi, also received his first Wales call, as well as the Ospreys duo of Eli Walker and James King, plus Dragons lock Andrew Coombs.

The selection of Pretorius raised a few eyebrows, but Howley has challenged the Blues man to heap the pressure on first-choice Wales No.8 Toby Faletau and push for selection against the Irish at the Millennium Stadium.

“Andries will bring the X-Factor to this squad,” insisted Howley. “He is a proven leader who has flourished as the captain of the Blues and I know there is more to come from him.

“At the moment, Toby Faletau is our No.8, but Andries is a dynamic player who will compete for the position with Toby and that is the vital ingredient this squad needs.”

While the 26-year-old Blues skipper was celebrating his maiden international inclusion after his eligibility was rubber-stamped last month, starlets Rhys Patchell and Harry Robinson were disappointed to miss out.

After Rhys Priestland’s Achilles injury, 19-year-old Penarth product Patchell had been touted for a place in Howley’s 35-man squad following some strong performances domestically and in Europe this season. But Ospreys stand-off Dan Biggar has been selected to fight it out for the prized No.10 spot with James Hook in the next nine weeks.

On the wing, Walker gets the nod ahead of Robinson to challenge George North and Alex Cuthbert for a place in the team.

Watch: Rob Howley talks through his Six Nations squad

Howley explained: “Rhys is a talent and he was considered. I spoke to him in detail and to his coach Phil Davies about my decision.

“He is still developing and I explained to him that selecting three 10s makes it more difficult for us in terms of changing players in and out during sessions and getting them to work together as units.

“We want to look at the nine and 10s spending a lot of time together and I believe Rhys will benefit from developing his technical and tactical game.

“Rhys and Harry know that I think it’s important they play at the under-20 age grade because that brings its own pressures.

“I also think they need to concentrate on being No.1 at their region, but they have put their hands up for selection against Japan in the summer.”

Despite leaving the Blues starlets to sit out the 2013 tournament, Howley plumped for Coombs, King and Walker in his squad, as well as Pretorius.

He said: “Injuries have meant that players like Andrew, James and Eli get their chance and it will be down to them to take it.”

“Everybody in the squad is currently in contention for selection for the games against Ireland and France.”

The other uncapped player to feature in the 35 is impressive Blues flanker Navidi.

Bridgend product Navidi has impressed deputising for Sam Warburton on the regional scene this season and Howley is keen to take a closer look at him, saying: “Josh has played in the back row alongside and instead of Sam.

“He is in great form and deserves his chance.”

Navidi is one player who signed a new contract at the Blues in recent weeks, with Alex Cuthbert, James Down and Scott Andrews. Howley paid tribute to those deciding to play in Wales by saying: “It’s great to see that in the last few weeks a number of Blues players have signed contracts.

“Alex Cuthbert was mentioned as one who might go away but it’s great to see him and those others in Wales.”

“It helps our preparation to have as many players as possible playing in Wales.”

Meanwhile star man Warburton is preparing for a move to blindside to accommodate number seven rival Justin Tipuric.

Howley said: “I would consider playing the two of them.

“Sam is a model professional who sets high standards on and off the field.

“He’s learning in the captaincy role and we have spoken over the past week about areas we need to work on as individuals and as a side.

“But he has a huge respect within the Welsh national team and within the UK.

“The one thing you want from your captain is to start. But Tipuric has been outstanding, not least against Leicester last weekend.

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